Buffalo State announced its football team will join SUNY Brockport as new additions to the Atlantic Central Football Conference (ACFC) for the 2004 season. Apprentice (VA), Frostburg State (MD), Salisbury (MD) and Wesley (DE) will round out the six-team conference.

The move is monumental one for Buffalo State who has been independent in football since the program's inception in 1981. The ACFC will receive instant credibility as five of its six teams already have NCAA Playoff experience. From 1990 to 2000, the Bengals made seven trips to the NCAA postseason while posting a record of 85-30 (.739). SUNY Brockport was an NCAA Playoff team each of the past three seasons, including an appearance in the quarterfinals last year. Wesley, Salisbury and Frostburg State also have experience in the postseason in recent history.

"We are excited to become a part of the ACFA," said Buffalo State Head Coach Bob Swank. "We are looking forward to the opportunity to compete for a conference title with top caliber Division III football teams, as well as finally add some consistency to our schedule."

The conference has seen some changes since its establishment in 1998 with Wesley, Salisbury and Frostburg State being the only remaining charter members. Frostburg won the first official conference title in 1999, followed by Wesley winning in 2000 and 2001, before Frostburg captured its second crown last season.

Buffalo State is familiar with Brockport battling to a 12-9 record against the Golden Eagles since the first meeting in 1982. The Bengals are 0-2 against Salisbury, but have not met the Seagulls since 1987, and split the only two meetings with Frostburg State in 1984 and 1985. Buffalo State has never faced Apprentice or Wesley.